That’s why Plonski is upset about a project that would ultimately take away free parking for his business.

“I understand there has to be growth in the city, but you’re taking away my main parking,” a frustrated Plonski explained.

The situation stems from an $8 million grant awarded to Cleveland Metroparks from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The goal is to reconnect Cleveland via bike and pedestrian trails.

Plonksi said he’s on board with the goal of the project, but not at the expense of his business. He believes there has to be another way.

Jacqueline Gerhling, a spokeswoman for Cleveland Metroparks, said the design is still being finalized, but that this plan was selected because it best met the needs of the community and had the least impact on public parking.

According to Gerhling, the department and project partners have worked with the community throughout the development, including a meeting hosted at Hooples earlier this year.